Radiation enteritis is swelling (inflammation) of the lining of the small intestine due to radiation therapy, a type of cancer treatment.
Alternative Names:
Radiation enteropathy; Radiation-induced small bowel injury
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Anyone with cancer that requires radiation therapy to the belly area is at risk. This may include persons with cervical, uterine, or rectal cancer.
If the damage lasts only a short time, it is called acute radiation enteritis. If damage persists and causes long-standing inflammation in the intestine, it is called chronic radiation enteritis.
Chronic radiation enteritis results in long-term diarrhea.
Symptoms:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Anorexia
Signs and tests:
The health care provider will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. Sometimes, your doctor may order a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy to look at the lining of intestine directly. Biopsies of suspicious areas may also be taken during the procedure.
Review Date: 7/25/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Radiation Oncology
